The Moving picture world (March 1923-April 1923)

Consensus <f PublishedRemp^s Here are extracts from news available at press hour from publications of the Industry boiled down to a sentence. They present the views of Moving Picture World (M.P.W.) ; Exhibitors Herald (E.H.); Motion Picture News (N.); Exhibitors Trade Review (T.R.); Film Daily (P.D.) Hunting Big Game in Africa (Eugene Roth — Animal Pictnre — 8 reels) M. P. W. — Remarkably entertaining and instructive wild animal hunt film enlivened by real humor. T. R. — The entire production Is replete with action and never a dull moment. • • • Educationally and in every other respect It satisfies to the nth degree. E. H. — A tremendously Interesting' and instructive picture of wild animal life in Africa. N. — Has the lure of travel, scenic beauty, thrills, humor, adventure and every quality needed to make such a picture interesting-. F. D. — Unusually absorbing and interesting pictures of Africa's wild beasts taken in their native haunts. My American Wife (Gloria STcanson — Paramount — 0,001 feet) M. P. W. — The story is charming and the cast, a group of box-offlce winners. T. R. — The exhibitor should easily find the picture to be on© that will readily win the highest praise from his patrons. N. — There is very little suspense to add to its highlights. • • • The chief appeal is in the atmosphere. F. D. — "Another Gloria Swanson picture" should cover It adequately; It is just what she usually does. E. H. — It's a wholly Interesting photoplay that should give wholly satisfactory box office account of itself. What a Wife Learned (Featured Cast — First National — 6,228 feet) M. P. W. — A production with a penetrating appeal to both sexes, to anyone who appreciates good drama. E. H. — A thoroughly convincing and well acted screen play. • • • Out of ordinary material. F. D. — The usual Ince melodrama with the customary hokum that provides a plot but isn't convincing. N. — Not convincing because of the weak situations which bring on the incompatibility of the husband and wife. T. R. — Excellent entertainment in every way up to the high standard of previous Thomas H. Ince pictures. The World's Applause (Wm. De JMille — Paramount — 6,520 feet) M. P. W. — There is strong drama. * » • The interest Is held tensely but the solution of the dilemma will not be altogether satisfying to many. T. R. — There is every reason to believe that it will please a majority of movie patrons. N. — Is just what present-day movie-goers want • • » It is a story that holds the Interest at all times. F. D. — Consists of situations and atmosphere intended to provide visual appeal but that is as far as it gets. E. H. — There is a murder mystery — which is disclosed to the spectator and therefore holds little suspense— but which holds the interest by reason of its outcome. While Paris Sleeps (Lon Chaney — Hodkinson — 1,850 feet) M. , P. W. — This appealing investure Is more certain to please than is the theme. The story is somewhat gruesome and exaggerated. E. H. — Commonplace story with several sordid incidents that will repel many. N. — It does not look like good picture material to us aside from the idea that it offers some adventurous action. F. D. — Very good production accorded commonplace theme that has some gruesome twists. T. R. — Gruesome story but If shown In a house where melodrama Is enjoyed it should give fairly good satisfaction. All the Brothers Were Valiant (Featured Cast — Metro — 6,265 feet) M. P. W. — It is an attraction that will be enthusiastically received by men, and because of its romantic interest will appeal to many women. T. R. — One of the best sea pictures that has come on the screen recently. N. — Here's a red-blooded story from the pen of Ben Ames Williams that should be enthusiastically received by the great motion picture going public. E. H. — It Is a stirring tale. F. D. — Virile sea adventure picture which offers fine thrills, unusual action and splendid atmosphere. The Face on the Barroom Floor (Henry B. Walthall — Fox — 5.787 feet) M. P. W. — Should appeal strongly to the average audience as It strikes the heartstrings In no uncertain manner and should produce a responsive chord. E. H. — Real picture entertainment, so full of heart interest, pathos, stirring situations and good comedy, it should prove one of the season's outstanding productions. F. D. — A very interesting picture that has been skillfully made and offers a good entertainment. N. — Manages to hold the interest and should please any audience which has been attracted by the title. Above All Law (Mia May — Paramount — Five Reels) M. P. W. — Picturesque production helps sustain interest In story. T. R. — It will probably afford much amusement to juvenile patrons, but by no possible stretch of the imagination can It be classed as satisfactory entertainment for critical adult audiences. E. H. — Another German film of little merit. F. D. — People with distorted imaginations might fancy such a story as that offered in the Hamilton Theatrical Corporation's latest offering, but it is quite doubtful if the normal mind will find much entertainment. N. — In all it Is a picture which is impressive even though It Is a hodge-podge of mechanical tricks of the studio. The morbidness in us all will find an outlet here. A Woman's Woman (Mary Alden — United Artists — 7,»00 Feet) M. P. W. — Amazing in its naturalness and appeal. T. R. — It is tremendously human, every foot of it, and we predict that it will be a picture that every one will talk about and send others to see. N. — Here we have Mary Alden paralleling, if not eclipsing her work in "The Old Nest." We predict for this production much favorable comment and real success at the box office. P. D. — One more mother story. Too Ions drawn out. The Christian (Featured Cast — Goldtvyn — 8,000 feet) M. P. W. — Big, powerfully dramatic picture, that will rank as one of screen's finest achievements. N. — All the superlatives in the dictionary could be called into action in praising this production. T. R. — It Is our deliberate belief that it will prove one of the biggest box-offlce attractions in the history of the Industry. E. H. — A superb production of this dramatic story. F. D. — Magnificent production that has many angles of appeal; a highly artistic and worth while picture. Dark Secrets (Dorothy Dalton — Paramount — 1,337 feet) M. P. W. — In view of the Coue method of healing the theme should occasion wide interest. E. H. — Badly handicapped by an automatic story. T. R. — It Is the sort of film which suits the popular taste, moves smoothly and swiftly and registers as a feature of decided merit. F. D.— A fair entertainment with a rather weird theme and Improbable oriental twists. N. — Has a decided appeal because It is different. The Footlight Ranger (Charles Jones — Fox — 4,729 feet) M. P. W. — Charles Jones' personality and ability serve In bracing up a story that Is not particularly forceful or original. E. H. — Not the type of play suited to Charles Jones and because of the roadhouse incident not particularly wholesome. F. D. — A very tame offering for this star, wholly unlike what they expect from him. N.^Such a sudden departure from what Charles Jones has offered in the past that it will be hard to reconcile his followers to it. T. R. — While its general Idea Is nothing of a novelty it should give fairly good entertainment. The Ghost Patrol (Featured Cast — Universal — 1,228 feet) M. P. W. — The cast is pleasing and there is enough heart interest to insure its welcome with the average patron. N. — While it isn't especially strong with dramatic material it manages to entertain through the wealth of human interest and the characterization. T. R. — Affords satisfactory entertainment containing sufficient heart Interest to put it over. F. D. — A satisfying short entertainment pleasingly portrayed by a capable cast and nicely produced. The Flame of Life (Priscilla Dean — Universal — 5,780 feet) M. P. W. — It is strongly dramatic, high In entertainment value and should appeal strongly to the average audience. N. — It is a vivid and vital picture. £3. H. — It is filled with tense situations, moves fast and is screen entertainment of a high order. F. D. — Unique and picturesque entertainment that also contains thrills and action out of the ordinary.